VR Tech Times

Skoda has recently updated its mid-size SUV, the Kushaq . The 1.5 TSI now gets additional features, and crucially, the air-conditioning system has also been upgraded. We put the 1.5 TSI automatic to the test to find out its real-world fuel efficiency. Includes an auto engine stop-start feature Gets active cylinder deactivation tech Weighs 1,322kg 2026 Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG real world mileage test Uniquely features active cylinder deactivation The Skoda Kushaq continues with the same 150hp/250Nm, 1.5-litre TSI direct-injection turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also features an automatic engine stop-start system and active cylinder deactivation technology to help curb fuel consumption. Gets a new variable-geometry AC compressor Interestingly, despite the addition of rear disc brakes, a panoramic sunroof and powered front seats (among other updates) over the 2021 version, kerb weight has increased by just 17kg, from 1,305kg to 1,322kg. Also new is a ...

The road to a race win is rarely straightforward. Mine certainly hasn’t been. It’s been a mix of small highs, frustrating lows, and moments that made me question whether chasing the podium was still worth it. But every now and then, motorsport has a way of bringing everything together. And at the TVS Apache Racing Experience GP International at the Madras International Circuit, it finally did. My first proper taste of racing came in 2020 with the TVS Young Media Racer Programme. It was a strong start, with two P3 finishes. From then on, the goal was clear: get faster, be more consistent and aim for the top step. Over the next few years, I took part in multiple media races, trying to build experience and pace. Not all of it went to plan. A tough phase included an underwhelming KTM RC Cup outing and a wildcard entry in the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup that ended in a heavy crash and a hand injury. In 2024, I returned to the California Superbike School to refine my technique, and tha...

I have never been more excited about the potential of EVs, even though the timing of this sentiment seems strange. After all, this month we have a road test of the Ola Roadster X+ , which has proven to be the worst locally manufactured motorcycle I have ever ridden. Moreover, it’s an especially bad time for EVs in the global four-wheeler landscape. Multiple manufacturers like Porsche , Honda , and more have backtracked on massive electric investments thanks to weak customer uptake. The cumulative losses are in the dozens, if not hundreds of billions of dollars.  My optimism in the past three months comes from some exciting developments around the most problematic area of EVs – batteries. Chinese giants like BYD and CATL have both revealed some big improvements in their respective technologies. BYD’s latest Blade cell battery has a 30 percent jump in energy density and can support a 10C charge rate. Meanwhile, CATL says it’s all set for mass production of sodium-ion batteries and...

Ever since it burst onto the scene in 2013, the KTM 390 Duke has been synonymous with thrilling performance without breaking the bank. However, today the story has changed and KTM India now offers you two variants of the 390 Duke to choose from - both of which look very similar but have different engines and pricing. Here, we’ll break down what each variant offers and how much it costs. All prices ex-showroom, Delhi KTM 390 Duke variant breakdown Standard Before we elaborate on the differences between the two variants, let's first recap what’s unchanged. The body panels, styling, chassis and feature-set are shared across both variants. Where the difference lies is primarily in the engine and the different pricing owing to the varying GST rates levied upon the motorcycles. To benefit from the lower 18 percent GST, Bajaj has downsized the 398cc engine to 349cc via a shorter stroke while keeping the bore intact. The result is that peak output on the standard 390 Duke stands at 41.5h...

April witnessed the launches of models like Vinfast VF MPV 7 , Volkswagen Taigun facelift , Tesla Model Y L , Mercedes CLA EV and even the locally assembled Range Rover Sport Autobiography . May looks set to carry that momentum forward. Alongside some confirmed launches, several other models are also expected to arrive this month. Keep reading to find out what we know about these models. 2026 Honda City facelift May 22 Current Honda City (image used for representation only). The 2026 Honda City facelift will be the second update for the fifth-generation sedan, after the first facelift arrived in 2023. The changes on the outside are expected to be minor, with updates to the headlights, tail-lamps, bumpers and wheels. The bigger changes should come inside, where Honda may add features such as a powered driver's seat, ventilated front seats, a larger touchscreen, a digital driver's display and more. I's likely to continue with the same 121hp 1.5-litre petrol and 126hp hybri...

The Ola Roadster X+ is positioned as one of the more performance-focused bikes in the brand’s line-up. The bike gets three riding modes, including Eco, Normal and Sport. In Eco mode, it is best suited to back roads and stop-go traffic, with an indicated top speed of 42kph. Normal mode feels more natural for everyday use, with an indicated top speed of around 80kph. Sport mode is the quickest and feels genuinely strong when the battery’s state of charge is high. Ola Roadster X+ 4.5kWh Real World Riding Range We tested the riding range in Normal mode and achieved a decent 130km. When we began our test, the battery was fully charged and displayed a riding range of 183km. With 90 percent battery, the displayed range was 166km. As we got towards the end with 30 percent battery, the range displayed was 59km. The bike automatically switched to Eco mode at 15 percent charge and shut down with the screen displaying 1 percent, displaying a battery low warning. Here is how many kilometres of rid...

KTM has revealed the 2027 450 Rally Replica, with just over 100 units set to be available globally. The brand says the model is derived directly from its Dakar Rally-winning race bike, which has carried four different riders to overall Dakar victories since 2020. KTM 450 Rally Replica limited to just over 100 units globally Eight units of Luciano Benavides Factory Edition are also available Features race-derived components and Dakar-winning technology KTM 450 Rally Replica details The brand has also revealed a 450 Rally Replica Luciano Benavides Factory Edition limited to just 8 units The KTM 450 Rally Replica is powered by a 449.4cc single-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. KTM has not disclosed official power or torque figures. The bike features a Brembo hydraulic clutch with rally-specific gearing, along with a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system. The chassis is built around a hydro-formed, laser-cut and hand-welded frame, designed to offer an ideal balance of lo...

The Renault Triber facelift was launched in India in 2025, bringing a bevy of exterior and interior updates, along with a new variant nomenclature. The Triber is available in 4 trim levels, powered by a sole engine option. Let’s have a look at the prices, powertrains, colours, and features available with each variant of the Triber. Renault Triber price list and powertrains Renault Triber price list (Rs, lakh)   MT AMT Authentic 5.81 - Evolution 6.70 - Techno 7.39 - Emotion 8.00* 8.48* *Dual-tone finish costs Rs 21,000 extra Only the top-spec Triber Emotion variant gets the AMT option As mentioned above, the Triber facelift gets a new nomenclature for its variants: Authentic, Evolution, Techno and Emotion. All four variants are powered by the same 72hp 1.0-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine and 5-speed combo, with the range-topping Emotion additionally offering a 5-speed AMT. Renault also offers a dealer-level retrofit CNG ki...

The Vinfast VF MPV 7 and BYD eMax 7 both occupy a relatively small segment in the Indian market. Apart from these two, buyers looking for an electric MPV under Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) only have the Kia Carens Clavis EV as an alternative. To keep this comparison fair, we are pitting the entry-level Premium 6-seater trim of the eMax7 with the only available trim of the VF MPV 7. Without any further ado, let’s get this comparison started. Explore full specs, features, and a price breakdown in our eMax 7 vs VF MPV 7 comparison. Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Dimensions The Vinfast MPV beats its BYD rival in terms of exterior dimensions Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs BYD eMax 7: Dimensions   Vinfast VF MPV 7 BYD eMax 7 Length 4,740mm 4,710mm Width 1,872mm 1,810m Height 1,734mm 1,690mm Wheelbase 2,840mm 2,800mm There is no hiding the larger proportions of the VF MPV 7 over the eMax 7. Not only does it have the ov...